the president and the house speaker john boehner finally spoke yesterday by phone. they have both agreed to keep the details of the discussion under wraps. they're both standing firm on the tax hike, their positions on the tax hikes for the top 2%. listen. >> the revenues we're putting on the table are going to come from, guess who? the rich. >> once republicans acknowledge that rates are going up for top earners, we believe that an agreement is very achievable. >> kate balduan is in washington, d.c., this morning. so that's kind of a depressing thing, when just the advent of a phone conversation between the two top dealmakers is the headline, isn't it? >> i could not agree with you more. the fact that they spoke, but the fact that there's no progress, and that's a headline. i mean, if we want to take anything from it, any significance, it's the first time they've talked in a week. take that what you will. it's almost like hope springs eternal, but we are a long way from a deal still. neither side, as you said is giving on their basic position. president obama conti